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West Midlands set for '£20m boost' over bumper music and sporting weekend

Black Sabbath and test cricket will underpin start of huge month for region's visitor economy

Black Sabbath's forthcoming reunion will kick off a major month for the region's visitor economy

The West Midlands' visitor economy is set for a boost of up to £20 million this coming week as it hosts some major cultural and sporting events.

As many as 300,000 people are expected to come into the region to enjoy a host of major events, led by the sold-out heavy metal concert and Black Sabbath reunion at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday.

Jeff Lynne's ELO is bringing its The Over and Out tour for two dates on Saturday and Sunday at the Utilita Arena.

Edgbaston stadium will host the second cricket test between England and India, due to finish on Sunday, while Colmore Food Festival will again welcome food lovers to Birmingham's business district on Friday and Saturday.

Completing the events is the three-day Godiva Festival in War Memorial Park, Coventry, which starts on Friday.

Hotel occupancy in Birmingham city centre is anticipated to surge close to 90 per cent, significantly higher when compared with the first Saturday in July last year.

Research by the West Midlands Growth Company suggests Birmingham and the wider region could rake in around £20 million in additional spending.